GOVERNMENT

PM Modi Inaugurates Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow: Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 101st Birth Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, a national memorial dedicated to the life, ideals, and legacy of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The inauguration coincided with Vajpayee’s 101st birth anniversary, marking December 25 as a day of national remembrance and inspiration.

Symbol of Unity, Self-Respect and Service

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the Rashtra Prerna Sthal symbolises a vision that guided India towards self-respect, unity, and service. He emphasised that the spirit of Sabka Prayas, collective effort, would play a crucial role in achieving the goal of a developed India.

Extending Christmas greetings to the people of India and the world, the Prime Minister acknowledged that millions of Christian families across the country were celebrating the festival. He expressed hope that the occasion would bring happiness, peace, and goodwill to all.

Highlighting the significance of December 25, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to several eminent personalities born on this day, including Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Bharat Ratna Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya, and Maharaja Bijli Pasi. He said their contributions strengthened India’s unity, cultural identity, and nation-building efforts.

The Prime Minister noted that the Rashtra Prerna Sthal has been developed on land that previously housed a massive garbage dump spread across more than 30 acres. Over the past three years, the area has been completely cleared and transformed into a modern national memorial. He congratulated the workers, planners, and the Uttar Pradesh government for converting a neglected site into a space of inspiration and national pride.

Ideals That Continue to Guide the Nation

Remembering to the contributions of Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Prime Minister said their ideals continue to guide the nation. He recalled Dr Mookerjee’s role in strengthening India’s unity and said the abrogation of Article 370 ensured the full implementation of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir.

He further highlighted Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’s philosophy of Antyodaya, stating that it has been strengthened through the saturation of welfare schemes to ensure benefits reach every eligible citizen without discrimination. Over the past decade, crores of people have received houses, toilets, tap water connections, electricity, free ration, and healthcare, he said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the expansion of social security coverage, which has increased from around 25 crore beneficiaries before 2014 to nearly 95 crore people today. He cited schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana as key contributors.

Recalling Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, the Prime Minister credited his government with laying the foundation for digital identity, telecom reforms, highway expansion, and metro connectivity. He noted that India is now the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, with Uttar Pradesh emerging as the leading manufacturing state.

Final insights 

Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s transformation, he said the state is now known for development, infrastructure, and tourism, with projects such as expressways, defence manufacturing corridors, and the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya shaping its new identity.

The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Pankaj Chaudhary, along with other dignitaries.